Handbag or the like



April 13, 1943. L 2,316,262

HANDBAG OR THE LIKE Filed June 17'. 1941 Patented Apr. 13, 1943 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE HANDBAG OR THE LIKE David Lewis, New York, N. Y.

Application June 17, 1941, Serial No. 398,485

4 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of handbag manufacture. More particularly, it pertains to bag frame structures which serve as the supporting means for the material of which the bag may be made, and embraces among its features, novelty of structure and the method of producing the same.

While the invention is of substantial scope and application, a primary embodiment thereof is directed to handbag structures of any type and particularly inclusive of such as ladies pocket books, purses and the like. Although the following considerations and description may in substantial measure, be applicable to ladies handbag structures, it is to be expressly understood that this is merely set forth by way of illustration of a desirable embodiment of the invention, and in no sense constitutes a limitation as to its field of adaptability.

A problem of material importance in the manufacture of handbags has related to the provision 'of suitable indicia in the form of names, monograms, initials, and ornamentation generally. The application of such indicia in accordance with the prior art has, however, presented a number of objections and difficulties, both with respect to the product or device and the method involved. Most of the expedients heretofore resorted to have utilized an attachment which has b en applied either to the bag wall material directly or to the surface of the frame structure.

One of the objections attributable to the prior art practice has been the surface marring of the fabric or analogous material of the bag per se, where the attachment has been directly applied thereto. Where the ornamental means has been affixed to the frame structure, the resultant effect has been either to unbalance the predetermined frame design as well as its esthetic value or detract from the latter by superficial mechanical expedients of attachment.

Moreover, such superficial attachments have contributed nothing in the way of an improvement relating to the frame structure. In addition, not an infrequent difficulty is due to a distortion of the bag frame members as a result of excessive uses and for other reasons manifesting an original lack of sturdiness or durability.

It will, in addition, he noted that the upper part of the space within a conventional handbag-that is, the portion adjacent the longitudinal element of the frame-is usually surplusage, since it is the rare exception that this space is utilized, and this especially applies in the case of my lady's purse or handbag.

It is an object of my invention to obviate such difliculties and objectionable details as hereinabove referred to by an improved structural device and combination of parts as well as by a novel method for its manufacture.

Another object is to attain a reenforced bag frame structure of increased sturdiness and durability with enhanced esthetic value.

An important object is to obviate the presence of space surplusage within the bag volume without detracting from the effective space content.

An additional object of the invention is the structural improvement in the attachment of ornamental indicia to a handbag.

A further object is directed to an improved method for attaining the novel bag frame structure manifesting features hereinabove referred to.

Other objects, advantages, and features of my invention will become apparent from the following description to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which similar elements are designated by like numerals:

Figure 1 presents in perspective an embodiment of my invention as applied to a ladys purse or handbag;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a desirable frame structure, and in addition, indicates in perspective an ornamental monogram plate adapted for sliding association with one U shaped member of the frame in its channel groove; a corresponding ornamentation is shown by a blank plate, in broken lines, seated in the channel of the longitudinal portion of the other U shaped member of the frame;

Fig. 3 is a somewhat enlarged vertical sectional view, partly broken away, and taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view in section, taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a front elevation, partly broken away, illustrative of an ornamental plate modification.

Referring more particularly to the illustrative embodiment of my invention shown in the drawing, 6 designates the perspective indication of a complete ladys purse or handbag comprising the wall, bag or body portion I of any desirable ma terial 8 exemplified by fabric, leather, and analogous substances, synthetic or otherwise. The body 'Iof the bag is in part attached for support to a frame means having the overall designation 9 and provided with a suitable spring fastener means 31. I

A desirable structure for said frame means 9 comprises two U-shaped members III, II pivotally attached at their extremities l2 by hinge pins l3, of any desirable form and exemplified by tubular rivets with an ornamental head, said hinge pins being fitted through overlapping ears (not shown) positioned at said extremities I2. Said frame means 9 is desirably provided with a fitted covering it which may be of fabric, leather, etc.

Of importance within the purview of the invention is that the frame members H], H are provided with internal grooves or channels [4, l of any desirable shape or depth, so long as they afford a fitted engagement or seat for the ornamental plate elements to be presently described.

An expedient form of ornamental element comprises the longitudinal plate means 11, as shown in Fig. 2, having an upper flange or skirt l8, a corresponding lower skirt l9, and end skirts 20, 2 i. It will be noted that these skirt portions are adapted for slidable engagement internally of deep channels l4, thereby affording a fitted association between the plate I! and frame member with the plate seated along the longitudinal portion of the frame member IE3 as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3 and l, the actual ornamental material is determined by the band 22 having any desirable ornamental indicia 23, shown as a monogram, bordered by said band; the said indicia may in any feasible manner be provided on the plate means as by being integrally cast therewith or cut in situ, or even Welded into position, this being a matter of mechanical expediency. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, the outside or front surface of the ornamental initials may be substantially flush with the outside surface of band 22, while the inside surface or back of the letters is shown rabbetted relative to the band as indicated at 24. It will be clear, however, that this structural arrangement lends itself to modification; thus the ornamental indicia may provide coextensive surfaces with the border or band, both in the front and rear, or may protrude outwardly on the front. N

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the complementary plate 25 comprises an open frame without any initials or ornamental indicia, whereby the monogram or ornamental design on plate I! is visible from both sides. It will, however, be clear that the border or band of plate 25 is similarly available for any desirable decorative effect.

The ornamental plate of Fig. 5 is suggestive of numerous other modifications as to plate design. In accordance with this showing of the drawing, the decorative indicia may be provided along both the longitudinal and. the vertical or leg portions of the frame. Merely by way of alternative suggestions not shown on the drawing it will be apparent that the scope of the invention contemplates the use of vertical ornamental plates alone, with the longitudinal portion of the frame member finished in accordance with conventional practice. Similarly, the ornamental plate and frame structure may be modified to the extent that only a small portion of the frame is internally channeled and fitted with a corresponding ornamental plate. Likewise, the general configuration of the decorative plate may be subject to wide variation, it being merely requisite that one edge is adapted to conform with the frame design utilized; merely by way of illustration the bottom edge of plates H and 25 could well be arcuate or the like, this necessitating merely that the body material of the bag be cut to conform with the design of the ornamental plate portion to which it is attached.

While the manner of associating the ornamental plate with the bag frame member is susceptible of variation, one suitable procedure is to fix the plate in the frame channels by resort to pressure which will cause the frame members to clamp over the skirt means seated in said channels, thereby obviating the necessity for the use of superficial attachments such as rivets. It is apparent from Figs. 2 and 3 that the lower skirts l9 and 26 of the ornamental plates are provided with openings 21 to which the, body material of the bag is stitched and that these skirts form shoulders 28, 29, 30, 3| with respect to the plate bands or borders. As shown, all of these shoulders face outwardly, and shoulders 28, 30 cffectively facilitate the attachment of the upper edge of the bag material to the skirt by overlapping or doubling back the edge, fitting the bend. 32 against the shoulder, and stitching it through openings 21 to a similarly bent or doubled back lining 34; bend 33 of the outside bag material is similarly stitched to the overlapped edge 35 of the liner fabric,

Since the overlap lining ends 34, 35 are not provided with a shoulder seat on the internal surface of the skirt means, they protrude from the respective internal skirt surfaces to contact each other and provide an effective cushion closure 36 for the mouth of the bag. While there are no restrictions as to the type of liner fabric utilized, it should desirably be of a gauge which will provide the desirable cushion closure; in the event that it is not of sufficient thickness, resort may be taken to the use of an added fabric band or padding to fill the available space. Such a padding or band is, however, usually not essential with the normal types of liner fabric utilized for the bag interior.

It is obvious that the material from which the various parts are fabricated has no critical bearing on the invention and will doubtless be determined from expediency and preference. The frame member as well as the ornamental plate may be made from appropriately finished metal or synthetic plastic or analogous compositions. It is merely requisite that the parts be appropriately fitted and attached to each other.

An illustrative expedient method of producing the finished article desirably utilize a frame 9 covered with any predetermined material fitted thereto and having its ends preferably glued within the channel portion of the frame members. If desired, additional adhesive material may be applied within the channels superficially of the tucked in material. The ornamental plates l1 and 25 may then he slid into their respective channels I4, I 5 so that their upper skirt portions become seated along the respective longitudinal elements of the frame, all shoulders 28, 29, 30, 3| face outwardly, and lower skirts I9, 26 provided with openings 21 extend below. The frame may then b clamped to attain an attached relationship between the frame members and the ornamental plates. The bag fabric is then stitched to the available openings of the lower skirts in accordance with the manner previously indicated; the remaining ends of the fabric can desirably be clinched in the appropriate channels by a suitable application of pressure.

An alternative procedural embodiment for assembly of the parts which has proven quite desirable and effective is based upon the preliminary attachment of the liner fabric and bag material to the ornamental plate means by appropriately stitching together overlapped ends of material and liner, which are to constitute the opening and closure edges of the purse, through openin s 21 as hereinabove described and shown in detail in Figs. 3 and 4. Having thus attached the bag material and liner to the ornamental or indicia plates, the latter are then fitted into their appropriate channels f4, [5 and attached in any expedient manner to the frame, as by clamping the frame thereto. This clamping attachment has been previously indicated above in connection with the first described illustrative method of producing the finished article; the other details of assembly which have been set forth in connection with this first described method, such as the attachment of the remaining fabric ends to the channeled frame members are similarly applicable to the alternatively desirable assembly embodiment.

It will be apparent that the method of assembly lends itself to considerable variation. Thus, the ornamental plates may suitably be wedged into the appropriate channels, thereby avoiding th necessity for resort to clamping the frame thereto; and an expedient in this direction is the utilization of the fabric ends as a means for facilitating this Wedge association.

By the adaptation of the ornamental plate in tegral with the bag frame structure and seated in the internal channel thereof, an improved decorative effect susceptible of numerous variations is available. Moreover, the structural association of parts functions as a substantial reenforcement of the bag frame. This structural improvement is attainable largely through utilization of the upper portion of the purse space which is normally wasted; and it will be noted that by use of the longitudinal ornamental plate provided with indicia of substantial size permitting the insertion of ones fingers in available openings as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the resort to a carry strap may be dispensed with, the ornamental plate satisfactorily functioning as a carrying means.

It will thus be seen that the device forming the basis of the invention provides a novel handbag structur manifesting an increased sturdiness of construction, and. enhanced ornamentation, and facility in handling. While the preferred embodiment fixes the ornamental plates in po sition, this is not to be understood as precludin the use of removable plates or means for suitably altering the indicia associated with the plates.

While I have described my invention in accordance with a specific embodiment, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A handbag combination comprising internally channeled frame members pivotally attached at their extremities, plate means, at least one of said plate means providing ornamental indicia, seated in said internal channels, outside body material overlapped at its ends amxed to the lower portions only of said plate means on their outer surfaces, and an internal liner fabric overlapped at its ends affixed to the internal lower surfaces of said plate means, said overlapped portions of the liner fabric contacting and functioning as a handbag closure.

2. A handbag combination comprising internally channeled frame members pivotally attached at their extremities, plate means, at least one of said plate means providing ornamental indicia, seated in said internal channels, and liner fabric of the handbag body at least a portion of which is overlapped at its ends and affixed to the lower internal surfaces only of said plate means, said overlapped portions of the liner fabric contacting and functioning as a handbag closure.

3. A handbag combination comprising internally channeled frame members pivotally attached at their extremities, plate means, each plate means seated along one edge in a channel and secured along such seated edge, said plate means reenforcing said frame members and at least one of said plate means providing ornamental indicia, and bag material having its upper edges attached to the lower edges only of said plate means, thereby providing a handbag structure having said ornamental plate means exposed.

4. A handbag combination comprising internally channeled frame members U-shaped in cross section and pivotally attached at their extremities, plate means, each plate means seated along one edge in a channel and secured along such seated edge, at least one of said plate means providing ornamental indicia, and bag material having its upper edges attached to the lower edges only of said plate means, thereby providing a handbag structure having said ornamental plate means exposed.

DAVID LEWIS. 

